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by Gary Pearson

When whitewater kayaking, the kayaker must be familiar with the different types of whitewater rapids. Knowing the different classifications of whitewater rapids is critical to the kayak enthusiast; each classification requires a different level of kayaking skill. Further, along with the different rapid classifications, kayakers must be equally familiar with the different types of water features. Knowing the waters is the first step in kayaking safety!

Categorizations: There are six unlike categories of whitewaters. The water is easier when lower the classification of water. For instance the best water for a novice kayaker is the Class I whitewater rapids as it has the minimum difficulty in the water.

Class II is the second classification which requires more knowhow of the water than Class I but is still acceptable since they are relatively easy to navigate around. Class III water requires more advanced skill since there are more obstructions and there is ledging in the water. The higher classes namely Class IV, V, and VI however require significant amount of skill as it is important for kayakers to be aware all imaginable kinds of water obstructions and features.

Eddies, holes, playspots, pourovers, stoppers, sweepers, and waves are some of the different water features. Different areas in the water which move slower than the rest of the water are called as eddies. This should be handled properly by the kayaker otherwise the kayak may overturn.

Holes, playspots, pourovers, stoppers and sweepers are all terms referring to the different motions in water that determine the skill a kayaker requires. Finally, waves can be considerably dangerous, especially if the kayaker takes on a body of water they are unprepared for.

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Gary Pearson is an accomplished niche website developer and author.